Comment: Things to work on, but exhausting window brings talent to Shrewsbury Town

In reality, Shrewsbury had precious little time to manoeuvre in an overhaul that was – for the most part – forced upon the new Town boss.

He didn’t enjoy the short period between taking the job and Thursday’s 5pm deadline. Askey wanted things over and done, a settled squad ready to train for matchdays.

Having spent five years managing Macclesfield in non-league, the Town boss is no stranger to squads being ripped apart each summer.

But, after 16 departures and 15 new arrivals, Askey admitted he was ‘much happier’ than the day he walked through the door at Montgomery Waters Meadow. That sentiment tells its own story about how Askey felt about inheriting Paul Hurst’s squad.

The boss was very aware he could be overseeing a mass exodus. Abu Ogogo and Junior Brown were merely the start. It turned out the final sting in the tail would be the most brutal as Jon Nolan and Toto Nsiala left it until August 8 to seal their moves.

Things started slowly, as Askey suspected, on the incoming front. The boss did not panic, but called for patience.

Things heated up, panic set in from the fanbase in certain areas, but Askey addressed the lack of a goalkeeper. Indeed, the boss was under pressure right until the death as – with Stefan Payne’s late departure – Town worked until the wire to find a suitable centre-forward replacement in Lee Angol.

Looking at his work as a whole this summer, there is plenty to be excited about.

Shrewsbury are absolutely blessed in central midfield. Six viable candidates – all summer additions – are vying for the three slots in Askey’s 4-3-3 set-up.

Town fans have already taken excited glimpses at Charlie Colkett and Josh Laurent. Record signing Oliver Norburn, Rangers prospect Greg Docherty and the wily knowhow of Anthony Grant all promise to add their own qualities.

There are also unanswered questions. Naturally, after such an overhaul, there will always be questions. It is impossible for a club like Shrewsbury to make 15 flawless signings full of potential, ability and experience – the pull and finance just isn’t there.

The leading concern from supporters is whether Town, and in particular their strikers, will provide the ammunition to be competitive this season. Askey answered that this week with a confident and emphatic ‘Yes’.

Nsiala is a huge loss, more so than Nolan, and his athleticism will be missed at the heart of defence. Luke Waterfall and Mat Sadler will have the nous between them to cope.

One challenge Askey will have to deal with is moulding an established and consistent team from this group of 25 players – that figure is including two senior players thought to not be in the manager’s plans.

That is never a straight-forward task. Though Askey did counter that conundrum by suggesting that good footballers are able to gel together quickly.

But there are 15 new characters and personalities in at Sundorne Castle. The boss will expect no clashes and a positive working environment. Only four of last season’s regulars remain and they will play a part in helping the new boys bed in.

Askey’s new era started with no points, but an encouraging display against a good Bradford team. Charlton at The Valley post a challenge of similar proportions today – albeit they have endured a dreadful summer of only two additions and injury hell. Still, what a day out it will be for travelling Salopians, just 93 days from the last trip there – a play-off semi-final to remember thanks to Jon Nolan’s rocket.

It is now up to this new group to create similar memories.